Tim Tebow has drawn a lot of attention as he pursues a career in Major League Baseball.

Many critics have dismissed Tebow’s chances, saying he lacks the bat speed, arm strength and overall athletic ability to play professional baseball.

Ted Berg, lead baseball writer for USA Today’s For the Win, wrote last August, “No front office in baseball would be foolish enough to think it likely that Tebow someday helps them at the big-league level, and a lot of GMs would presumably be turned away by the hordes of media and distraction that will come along with a celebrity of Tebow’s caliber joining their teams in spring training.”

Trending Stories

“Whether it was on the field or off the field, I’ve seen him do a lot of things that maybe people said he couldn’t do and most people can’t do,” said Meyer. “Once he puts his mind to it, he’s one of the few people I’ve known who I say don’t ever bet against him.

“I’d never bet against Tim Tebow.”

Meyer admitted that when he first heard about Tebow’s pursuit of baseball, he did “question it.” As a former minor league baseball player, Meyer said, “I know how hard it is. You can’t just tough your way through baseball. There’s a skill set. Football is so different.”

After talking it over with Tebow and seeing him train, Meyer said, “I didn’t doubt him one bit. He has got power.”

The biggest reason, the coach said, was”when [Tebow] puts his laser focus on something, he’s going to do it. No amount of time, no amount of injury, no amount of pain is going to get in the way of that.”

“He’s going to battle through anything, whether it’s injury or criticism or skepticism. Whatever obstacle, he’s going to be relentless in overcoming it,” said Meyer.

He encouraged critics to describe just how Tebow is “bad for baseball.”

“Go explain to me again: Why is it bad for baseball?” he said. “Explain that to me.”